I know everyone has stress in their life at times, but for me stress was something I had 24/7, especially when I was going to college full-time. I started at Nevada State College in the fall of 2008, shortly after getting married and moving into our first condo. Needless, to say I was super busy moving into our home, decorating our home, transitioning into married life, and preparing for the new semester. Each semester I took between 12 and 15 credits. For me, that was a lot and it always seemed to overwhelm me. Homework, teaching observations, field work, tests, preparing for graduation, and getting ready for student teaching literally stressed me out! Some days were hard and I couldn't help but cry because I thought I couldn't handle it. Ray would always tell me to relax and don't worry. It's simple but so true. Nothing good ever comes from being worried and stressed out. Worrying and stressing over things is a waste of time and energy and sometimes there's just no reason to. Then I remembered what the Bible says about stress and worrying:
"Your father knows what you need before you ask him. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:8b,25,31-34)
These verses have helped me out a lot to manage my stress and to simply not worry. There are times where I still get worried, but not as much as I used to. In times of stress, I am learning to just give all my fears, worries, and anxieties to the Lord and trust that He will take care of me. This gives me peace and hope for tomorrow.
